The periodontics is a branch of dentistry that treats all diseases related to the gums and the bone that supports the teeth.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases in the world, and it affects your overall health as well as your smile. It occurs when plaque bacteria build up on your teeth and gum line, causing inflammation, swelling and bleeding. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss due to infection in the mouth.
Why carry out this treatment?
Among the most common diseases treated by periodontics, we can find two main ones: gingivitis and periodontitis.
- The gingivitis is a gum disease that affects the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It is caused by plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause them to swell, bleed and become tender. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to bone loss around the teeth.
- The periodontitis occurs when plaque turns into tartar on the teeth and under the gum line. This buildup can trap bacteria in pockets around the teeth, causing inflammation that damages the tissues that support them. If left untreated, it can cause tissue loss and eventual tooth loss.
What factors help the transition from gingivitis to periodontitis?
The first factor that favors the development of gingivitis is bacterial plaque; which is the buildup of bacteria that occurs when you don't brush and floss regularly. Plaque can lead to gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums caused by this bacterial buildup. If you have gingivitis, your immune system will try to fight these bacteria and heal your gums. But if you don't stay on top of it, or if you have a genetic predisposition or other health problems that make your immune system less effective at fighting off these bacteria, then the infection can spread deeper into your mouth, which is called periodontitis. This can cause serious damage to your teeth and surrounding bone structure.
Other reasons may be:
- Stress
- Tobacco or alcohol use
- Poor hygiene
- Incorrectly positioned teeth
- Improperly placed fillings
Is it possible to prevent periodontitis?
The best way to prevent periodontitis is to maintain proper oral hygiene, so that we control the amount of dental plaque present on our teeth.
By keeping your mouth clean, you can prevent toxins from damaging your gums or teeth. This is achieved by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day, preferably after meals. These two simple steps will greatly reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth, which will reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease over time.
The treatment to stop gingivitis consists of a dental cleaning by a professional. When this disease is detected in time, it is possible to put an end to it by performing oral cleanings a couple of times a year until the plaque and bacteria present are eliminated.
In our Dental ClinicWe are professionals in the treatment of severe cases of periodontitis and in carrying out diagnostics and preventive check-ups to check the condition of the gums and prevent further disease.
